A new Black Mirror episode has cast a chilling outlook on the rise of robotic companions like Boston Dynamics’ nimble mechanical ‘dogs.’

Boston Dynamics’ videos chronicling the dogs’ progression have risen to viral fame – but, despite their popularity and incredible abilities, some people, including the show’s creators, have noticed something unnerving about the robo-dogs.

In a new episode titled ‘Metalhead’ from the just-released fourth season, Black Mirror explores what could happen if these machines turned on us, revealing the terrifying quest for survival in a world where robo-dogs can outrun and outsmart humans.

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For viewers, the appearance of the human-hunting robo-dogs may feel shockingly close to home. And, according to the creators, that’s no accident. The episode came about, in part, ‘from watching Boston Dynamics videos,' creator Charlie Brooker told EW

BLACK MIRROR S4

Black Mirror season 4 is now on Netflix: available on Netflix, with six episodes:

USS Callister – 'Capt. Robert Daly presides over his crew with wisdom and courage. But a new recruit will soon discover nothing on this spaceship is what it seems.'

ArkAngel – 'Worried about her daughter’s safety, single mom Marie signs up for a cutting-edge device that monitors the girl’s whereabouts – and much more.'

Hang the DJ – 'Paired up by a dating program that puts an expiration date on all relationships, Frank and Amy soon begin to question its logic.'

Metalhead – 'At an abandoned warehouse, scavengers searching for supplies encounter a ruthless foe and flee for their lives through a bleak wasteland.'

Black Museum –'On a dusty stretch of highway, a traveler stumbles across a museum that boasts rare criminal artifacts–and a disturbing main attraction.'

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A captivating trailer from the latest season shows a glimpse into the black-and-white episode released on Netflix today.

In the clip, a woman can be seen talking to someone on a walkie-talkie, before moving through shots of a warehouse, what appears to be a ghastly murder scene, and an unsettling view over an open field – where a fast-moving robotic animal tears through grass toward an unseen destination.

‘I can’t talk for long,’ the woman says in the video.

‘We found a dog at the warehouse. I’ve lost it for now.

‘But my guess is its still operational. If I don’t make it back, I’ve always loved you all.’

For viewers, the appearance of the human-hunting robo-dogs may feel shockingly close to home.

And, according to the creators, that’s no accident.

The episode came about ‘from watching Boston Dynamics videos,' but crossed with the film All Is Lost, Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker told EW.

‘And with those videos, there’s something very creepy watching them where they get knocked over, and the look sort of pathetic laying there, but then they slowly manage to get back up.’

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As for what led up to the robot takeover, ‘We sort of deliberately decided not to flesh out a lot of the backstory,’ Brooker said.

Season 4 of the hit show was released today on Netflix.

Black Mirror has risen to popularity over the last few years as it addresses the growing impact of technology and artificial intelligence on society.

These scenarios often begin well-intended; robo-bees, for example, could continue to pollinate long after their living predecessors have been wiped out, or androids could embody the personality of a loved one who’s passed away, to ease the healing process.

For viewers, the appearance of the human-hunting robo-dogs may feel shockingly close to home. And, according to the creators, that’s no accident. The episode came about in part ‘from watching Boston Dynamics videos,' creator Charlie Brooker told EW. SpotMini is shown

In the clip, a woman can be seen talking to someone on a walkie-talkie, before moving through shots of a warehouse, what appears to be a ghastly murder scene, and an unsettling view over an open field – where a fast-moving robotic animal tears through grass

But, as the show emphasizes, what may seem a good idea doesn’t always translate well to real life.

In another episode from the fourth season, the show’s creators tap into the worries known by every parent; in just an instant, a child can disappear from sight.

The Jodie Foster-directed episode called Arkangel explores the desperate move of a mother who, after a scare at the playground, decides to get her daughter fitted with a brain implant.

BOSTON DYNAMICS SHOWS OFF 'CUJO THE BIG DOG'

Boston Dynamics first hit headlines with Cujo, also known as 'Big Dog'.

It took two million dollars (£1.6 million) and four years to create and was tested out by the US marines.

It is one of a series of dog-like robots created by the company.

Boston Dynamics' robots are shown above, with a humanoid and 'dogs' of varying sizes

It can walk and run over rugged terrain, following a soldier while carrying their kit and weapons.

It can stand upright, walk for 20 miles without a break and carry up to 400lbs (180 kg).

The controls are simple to learn and have joysticks and one recruit said using it 'feels like playing Call of Duty.'

But, if the previous seasons are any indication, the device will bring unintended consequences.

In the video, a worried mother can be seen watching as a gloved professional uses a massive needle to inject something into her daughter’s head.

‘It’s completely safe,’ a woman says in the background, in an unsettling reassurance that suggests the opposite.

A chilling trailer for the Netflix hit Black Mirror taps into the worries known by every parent; in just an instant, a child can disappear from sight. The new season is set to explore the desperate move of a mother who decides to get her daughter fitted with a brain implant

The 55-second ‘Arkangel’ trailer offers little detail on the function of the device itself, or the company responsible for implanting it.